topic Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU? in General Credit Topics

Am I really eligible for NFCU?

stewart504 — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:31:13 GMT

I've heard lots of good things about NFCU but didn't think I was eligible. This is such a long shot but.... Turns out my dad was a civilian employee at a military airfield during WWII. Back in the day there was a Naval ammuntion depot where ammuntion was manufactured and stored for the Navy. My dad worked at the connected airfield loading and unloading airplanes right after he graduated high school. The entire installation was decommissioned after the war ended in 1945 which was before my time.

Keep in mind my dad was very windy and known to exagerate on occasion but I have reason to believe his story was true based on his knowledge of the history of the military base. The only thing is, my dad passed away back in 2008, so I can't ask him for more details and nobody else living has any knowlege of his employment at the airfield. Right now, all I have are the stories he used to tell.

I decided to call NFCU and they did confirm that I would be eligible to join if my dad was a civilian eployee at a military airfield. I just don't know how I feel about joining as this is really a long shot. I don't think I could prove eligiblity since I have no clue how I would get any records from way back then. What happens if I open an account there and get a credit card, but then it turns out I wasn't really eligible for membership?

Any input I could get would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

GZG — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:13:40 GMT

if NFCU says you are, I suppose you are.

I don't think based on the letter of what's written here, you technically are: https://www.navyfederal.org/membership/eligibility.html

but I also don't think the people handling new membership applications are going out of their way to say no or deny people membership, even if they don't technically qualify or even the people clearly lying.

It's unfortunate you don't have any documentation or anything that you would be able to request from the archives or anything if there ever was a full on audit.

but at least in recent times, membership audits have been rare and only limited in scope to truly bad actors, AFAIK

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

pizzadude — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:14:38 GMT

I agree with the above post - if they told you that you're eligible then I'd proceed with joining and pursuing any banking / credit products which you are interested in.

I don't believe that NFCU conducts widespread audits of their prospective members' supporting documentation.

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

stewart504 — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:34:31 GMT

@GZG wrote:
if NFCU says you are, I suppose you are.

I don't think based on the letter of what's written here, you technically are: https://www.navyfederal.org/membership/eligibility.html

but I also don't think the people handling new membership applications are going out of their way to say no or deny people membership, even if they don't technically qualify or even the people clearly lying.

It's unfortunate you don't have any documentation or anything that you would be able to request from the archives or anything if there ever was a full on audit.

but at least in recent times, membership audits have been rare and only limited in scope to truly bad actors, AFAIK

All I have to go by is what my dad said. I was hoping someone here would know how I could get documentation from back in 1945. The airbase was decommissioned after the war and is now nothing more than a privately owned airstrip for crop dusters, there isn't enough runway for today's jets to land.

The story is, my dad was sent for a military physical exam but failed the exam due to health reasons so he became a civilian employee at the airbase. I don't know who would have those records today since the base is long gone

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

GZG — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:16:55 GMT

@stewart504 wrote:
@GZG wrote:
All I have to go by is what my dad said. I was hoping someone here would know how I could get documentation from back in 1945. The airbase was decommissioned after the war and is now nothing more than a privately owned airstrip for crop dusters, there isn't enough runway for today's jets to land.

The story is, my dad was sent for a military physical exam but failed the exam due to health reasons so he became a civilian employee at the airbase. I don't know who would have those records today since the base is long gone

https://www.archives.gov/

is where I would start, no idea of what they would have on civillan employees though

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

pizzadude — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:39:32 GMT

Unless NFCU is requiring you to submit documentation in order to become a member I wouldn't worry about it for now.

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

FicoMike0 — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:02:56 GMT

I spent a lot of time finding my father's dd214 (also circa wwll). When I called to join navy, they didn't ask for docs. I agree with the others, if they say your eligible, you are.

They are relationship centric, the more business you do with them, the better they like you. So, join right away. They have a free checking, set that up with direct deposit and you'll be building a relationship.

Their credit card preapproval isn't well rated, but it worked for me.

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

avibp — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 02:56:04 GMT

@stewart504 wrote:
they did confirm that I would be eligible to join

And now you're here asking strangers unrelated to NFCU if you would be eligible to join?

I'm a bit confused.

If you DON'T join NFCU, I will call you a

...goober... Because I'm trying to be polite.

Out of the 18 (23 ? ((Shrug)) Maybe). plus financial institutions that I do business with NFCU is by far my favorite.

Don't hate yourself in the morning. Join last week (or ASAP anyway) and enjoy the world's largest and best credit union as they make it very-very easy to do so.

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

Gunnerboy — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 03:17:59 GMT

@stewart504 wrote:
I decided to call NFCU and they did confirm that I would be eligible to join if my dad was a civilian eployee at a military airfield. I just don't know how I feel about joining as this is really a long shot. I don't think I could prove eligiblity since I have no clue how I would get any records from way back then. What happens if I open an account there and get a credit card, but then it turns out I wasn't really eligible for membership?

Any input I could get would be greatly appreciated.

You were deemed eligible based on your word. You should call again, retell your dad's work experience. If the next CSR affirms you, open an account immediately. Chances are extremely low that they will demand to see documentation.

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

stewart504 — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 01:32:04 GMT

@Gunnerboy wrote:
@stewart504 wrote:
I decided to call NFCU and they did confirm that I would be eligible to join if my dad was a civilian eployee at a military airfield. I just don't know how I feel about joining as this is really a long shot. I don't think I could prove eligiblity since I have no clue how I would get any records from way back then. What happens if I open an account there and get a credit card, but then it turns out I wasn't really eligible for membership?

Any input I could get would be greatly appreciated.
You were deemed eligible based on your word. You should call again, retell your dad's work experience. If the next CSR affirms you, open an account immediately. Chances are extremely low that they will demand to see documentation.

The Army built the air field in 1942 for the purpose of training pilots. I found my dad's draft card and he was drafted in 1944 right out of high school at age 18. He failed the Army physical due to health reasons and they sent him back home. The story I was told, he ended up working at the Army air field until WWII ended in 1945. After the war, the Army took what they wanted from the air field and then declared the air field surplus. The air field was then turned over to the state. I was told there were 100's of civilian employees at the air field during the war and I talked to someone who thought my dad was a supply clerk. Nobody seems to know where I can get proof that my dad was a civilian employee.

What I was told by Navy Federal is civilial employees qualify for membership. When I tried to join online they want me to upload documents, but I don't have anything. Do I just skip that step and hope for the best, or what do I do?

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

Jnbmom — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 01:34:32 GMT

Upload documents? I have never seen this happen when applying for membership, they normally take your word . Maybe they are cracking down ?

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

Gunnerboy — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 01:54:03 GMT

@stewart504 wrote:
@Gunnerboy wrote:
@stewart504 wrote:
I decided to call NFCU and they did confirm that I would be eligible to join if my dad was a civilian eployee at a military airfield. I just don't know how I feel about joining as this is really a long shot. I don't think I could prove eligiblity since I have no clue how I would get any records from way back then. What happens if I open an account there and get a credit card, but then it turns out I wasn't really eligible for membership?

Any input I could get would be greatly appreciated.
You were deemed eligible based on your word. You should call again, retell your dad's work experience. If the next CSR affirms you, open an account immediately. Chances are extremely low that they will demand to see documentation.
The Army built the air field in 1942 for the purpose of training pilots. I found my dad's draft card and he was drafted in 1944 right out of high school at age 18. He failed the Army physical due to health reasons and they sent him back home. The story I was told, he ended up working at the Army air field until WWII ended in 1945. After the war, the Army took what they wanted from the air field and then declared the air field surplus. The air field was then turned over to the state. I was told there were 100's of civilian employees at the air field during the war and I talked to someone who thought my dad was a supply clerk. Nobody seems to know where I can get proof that my dad was a civilian employee.

What I was told by Navy Federal is civilial employees qualify for membership. When I tried to join online they want me to upload documents, but I don't have anything. Do I just skip that step and hope for the best, or what do I do?

It could be a case speaking to another CSR. I would call them back, state per your last conversation you are eligible based on your dad's civilian employee status. If they ask for proof, thank them, hang up and call again (HUCA). I wasn't even asked for my dad's DD-214.

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

avibp — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 08:31:08 GMT

@stewart504 wrote:
Do I just skip that step and hope for the best,....?

Yes.

Even if they were to erroneously decline your application that doesn't mean you're locked out. They would still give you a reason and possibly contact email, phone number or possibly a name to contact and discuss the issue more in depth.

It is my opinion that you should apply as soon as possible and work from there. The anxiety you're causing yourself is unwarranted. I don't believe that there will be any additional issue and you will just be affiliated with a fantastic financial institution.

I'll use the old Nike line right here: "Just do it".

👍

Then, Enjoy.

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

stewart504 — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:26:13 GMT

@Gunnerboy wrote:
@stewart504 wrote:
@Gunnerboy wrote:
@stewart504 wrote:
I decided to call NFCU and they did confirm that I would be eligible to join if my dad was a civilian eployee at a military airfield. I just don't know how I feel about joining as this is really a long shot. I don't think I could prove eligiblity since I have no clue how I would get any records from way back then. What happens if I open an account there and get a credit card, but then it turns out I wasn't really eligible for membership?

Any input I could get would be greatly appreciated.
You were deemed eligible based on your word. You should call again, retell your dad's work experience. If the next CSR affirms you, open an account immediately. Chances are extremely low that they will demand to see documentation.
The Army built the air field in 1942 for the purpose of training pilots. I found my dad's draft card and he was drafted in 1944 right out of high school at age 18. He failed the Army physical due to health reasons and they sent him back home. The story I was told, he ended up working at the Army air field until WWII ended in 1945. After the war, the Army took what they wanted from the air field and then declared the air field surplus. The air field was then turned over to the state. I was told there were 100's of civilian employees at the air field during the war and I talked to someone who thought my dad was a supply clerk. Nobody seems to know where I can get proof that my dad was a civilian employee.

What I was told by Navy Federal is civilial employees qualify for membership. When I tried to join online they want me to upload documents, but I don't have anything. Do I just skip that step and hope for the best, or what do I do?
It could be a case speaking to another CSR. I would call them back, state per your last conversation you are eligible based on your dad's civilian employee status. If they ask for proof, thank them, hang up and call again (HUCA). I wasn't even asked for my dad's DD-214.

I'm going to need to do more research and get some advice to finish the application. I applied for the Cash+ secured card from U.S. Bank, they pulled my credit then gave me the dreaded you'll hear from us in 7 to 10 days. They didn't take the security deposit from my account so it looks like it's a denial. I applied for the card because I have a checking account with U.S. Bank and they waive the monthly fee if you have a credit card. Navy will be less convenient as they don't have a branch in my state so all banking will need to be done online but one thing I've noticed is big banks don't value or appreaciate their customers.

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

FicoMike0 — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 14:46:10 GMT

Good luck with usb, they may still approve.

id go ahead and try to join navy by phone.

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

avibp — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 18:20:59 GMT

@stewart504 wrote:
Navy will be less convenient as they don't have a branch in my state so all banking will need to be done online but one thing I've noticed is big banks don't value or appreaciate their customers.

Navy is a member of the Co-Op network. I won't join a credit union that is not a part of that network. Without looking it up I can tell you they have tens of thousands of affiliated (Co-Op) branches around the country. The Co-Op network is available online to look up affiliated Credit Unions where you can make (fee-free) deposits and withdrawals at their ATMs. Some of the members of the Co-Op also participate in " shared branching " where you can go in and speak to representatives rather than just utilizing an ATM. The ATM feature is the only one I've ever utilized. The Co-Op Network link

The affiliation with the Co-Op is a lifesaver maybe overstating it, however the convenience can't be beat compared to a Big Bank's network which I've often found lacking.

The singular complaint I have for NFCU is their interest bearing accounts don't pay enough. However they're no fee balance transfers and no foreign transaction fees help to mitigate that complaint.

(EDIT: For is not spelled four and their is only sometimes spelled there)

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

FicoMike0 — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:29:28 GMT

Myself, I seldom use any debit card. On the rare occasion I want some cash, I buy something at Wal-Mart national bank and get cash back from them.

For large cash transactions I have an account at a local physical bank, I guess that's usb for you. You can ach to and from navy in 2-3 days.

By the way, my local bank had a sale last month, 50 two dollar bills for $100. You can't get them from atm s or walmart. Can't be bought in stores either.

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

Snook_on_the_Line — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 19:33:36 GMT

@FicoMike0 wrote:
Myself, I seldom use any debit card. On the rare occasion I want some cash, I buy something at Wal-Mart national bank and get cash back from them.
For large cash transactions I have an account at a local physical bank, I guess that's usb for you. You can ach to and from navy in 2-3 days.
By the way, my local bank had a sale last month, 50 two dollar bills for $100. You can't get them from atm s or walmart. Can't be bought in stores either.

lol. I get five twenties for I Hundo.

and my local Wells Fargo atm spits out fifties for anything over a $100 withdrawal.

Re: Am I really eligible for NFCU?

Snook_on_the_Line — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 19:34:57 GMT

The atms on the casino floor at the Tropicana in AC spit out hundreds